Community and Service

Transcript

Okay everyone, let’s meet Alexa, a junior from Weslaco, Texas, who is double majoring in political science and communication studies. From her small hometown in South Texas, Alexa came to St. Mary’s looking for a college that would support her on her educational journey while emphasizing opportunities to contribute to the common good. Alexa, please take it away.

– Hey, everyone. When it came to my education I knew I wanted to make the right decision. I come from a family of field workers who for 52 years worked every day to make sure I had the opportunity to be great. I’ve always known that my purpose is to help my community so in looking for a university I wanted to go somewhere that believed in giving back as much as I did. I found that at St. Mary’s. On my first tour of St. Mary’s, the campus was so welcoming. Resources like the Rattler Success Center and mental health support made it evident that the university cares about its students and their success inside and outside of the classroom. One thing that really stood out to me was just how much the university supports the neighborhood around campus. Every semester, hundreds of us Rattlers get together and head out into the community to volunteer. What I have realized for these events is just how much of an impact we can have when we come together. In fact, more than 70% of St Mary’s students participate in community service. I would like to say that my college journey has been easy, but there have been bumps in the road. Coming from a strong family, the last thing I wanted to admit was that I thought I was not good enough. However, when I expressed my concerns to my RA and my professors, they reassured me of all the potential I had and how I can help others. Having people around you who care about you academically and personally help you realize just how far you’ve come and how great you already are. I will graduate and go onto law school with the goal of running for Congress in my hometown of Weslaco, Texas. For anyone considering St. Mary’s, I wanna leave you with this. Go somewhere you will grow, where you will be pushed and a place that does not see you as a number. Go somewhere that feels like home. For me that’s St. Mary’s. Back to you, Alex.

– Alexa, thank you for sharing your experience. From knowing the love and support of a tight knit family to finding a second family at St. Mary’s, great personal story about the community experience at St. Mary’s. Having faculty and staff who support and encourage their students makes all the difference. Thanks again, Alexa, take care.